SIX WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I would say I’m a visionary, I’m curious, collaborative, instinctive, passionate & intricate.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORK DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I wouldn’t say I have a typical working day at all. I don’t even refer to what I do as work because it’s just a part of me. If I’m not shooting or being shot then all the rest of my work happens remotely. Typically, those shoot days would start early and finish in the early evening. I’d say I’m blessed to be in a position where a lot of the things I enjoy doing, contribute to what I create which I’d assume is the work. I meet with friends, go outside for inspiration and read, watch & experience: arts, fashion, music & culture.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR MODELLING CAREER BEGIN?
I’d say I became increasingly photogenic in 2017 and began having pictures taken of myself for fun. However, it wasn’t until October that year I was scouted by an esteemed agency in London. The agent gave me the whole “do you want to be a model?” and of course I said yes. Two weeks later I was scouted by another top Agency which was the one I signed with and began my professional career. Both instances were completely random. The agency I signed with opened me up to a world I wasn’t so used to and allowed me to meet tons of new people and experience new things.
ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
As of right now, I’m pleased that space is being made for people that look like me.
ONE THING YOU DISLIKE ABOUT THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
Unnecessary exclusivity.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ANYONE HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?
Put enough pressure on yourself to go at your goals from early, without living under the idea that everything has to be achieved right now.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN INDIVIDUAL STARTING IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY?
You aren’t JUST a model. Don’t limit yourself to that title. Understand that a job is based firstly off of your cosmetic compatibility, then experience, personality and individuality. So don’t be discouraged and remember who you was before you got signed/ started getting jobs. Don’t wait for people to do things for you. Be self-sufficient, driven, patient & interested. Just be you. Maintain professionalism but stand up for yourself. Especially if you’re a minority. Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun & enjoy every moment!
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR CAREER BY NEXT YEAR?
By next year I would’ve liked to broaden my palette of work. Music covers, more magazine features, personal/collaborative projects, exhibitions/installations and some overseas campaigns and runways. Those will all be done by next year. I see it already.
WHAT DOES COLLABORATION MEAN TO YOU?
Collaboration to me is the foundation to everything. It happens any time more than one person is involved no matter what the scenario is. Something we encounter a lot but don’t acknowledge enough. I think it’s important because I view it in the form of support. If we all show love to each other in any way we can, then we can all rise to the top together. We can learn more about each other and become cohesive as a community. I think it’s that communal feeling that strikes me the most about it.
FAVOURITE LOOK ON THE SHOOT?
Look 2 for sure. The black sweater vest with the slit trousers and lace ups. It represents where I’m at right now. It’s all black. It foreshadows the direction I want to take my style toward.
FAVOURITE PIECE OF JEWELLERY ON THE SHOOT?
Definitely the pearl necklace. Pearls are a genre of jewellery I’ve grown into recently but I enjoy wearing them. It evokes a feeling that can’t be replicated with your silvers and golds.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF TAKING THE CULTURE YOU'RE APART OF?
Everything I do, I do with purpose. It’s strategic. I see my work serving more than myself. I want to take the culture to a place of openness and individuality. Again, I touch on collaboration and support because I believe it’s integral in getting to that place. I want to reach a point of freedom - in all aspects, as well as providing opportunity for people around me, older or younger. A world where we can operate as we wish and do impactful things, without being regarded as outsiders, is where I wish to take the culture.
INSTA: @LUCAALLICKSMITH
PHOTOGRAPHER: HANNAH MILES
